On Water

transparent fluid
transforming
whatever lies beneath --
moss, leaf, stone,
burnished & burning
like blue ice
or fiery memories
stewed by time
distorted & changing,
transforming
at this instant
& this instant
& this instant
something into
something else
opalescent
unexpected
exquisite

no wonder
the religious
seek water
as purification
or blessing
so wondrous
its power